Which type of fluid measurement is affected by the pipe material chosen in plumbing design?

The correct answer is that all of the listed factors—flow rate, head loss, and pressure—are influenced by the pipe material chosen in plumbing design.

The material of the pipe affects flow rate because different materials have varying internal surface roughness, which can impact how smoothly fluid flows through the pipe. A smoother surface, such as that of copper or PVC, will generally allow for higher flow rates compared to rougher materials, which create more resistance.

Head loss, which refers to the loss of energy due to friction and other factors as fluid moves through the piping system, is also significantly affected by pipe material. Different materials have different friction coefficients; for instance, ductile iron and concrete may create more head loss compared to smooth plastic or copper pipes. The roughness and diameter of the pipe material directly influence the energy losses in the system.

Finally, pressure is influenced by the pipe material because the material's rigidity and strength characteristics determine how well the pipe can withstand internal pressures. Some materials can manage higher pressures without deforming or bursting, which is crucial for the safety and reliability of a plumbing system.

Considering these aspects, it is clear that the chosen pipe material plays a critical role in all three areas of fluid measurement, affirming that the correct